Mexican restaurant Secreto open for business

afn.061810.biz.secreto3.jpg

Brian Johnson/AFN
To go along with Secreto's Southwestern dishes is a Southwest mission styled decor.
June 15, 2010

afn.061810.biz.secreto4.jpg

Brian Johnson/AFN
Among the rennovations at Secreto's is a party room next to the main dining area that can be used for additional seating or private parties.
June 15, 2010

afn.061810.biz.secreto2.jpg

Brian Johnson/AFN
Among the many new tricks of the trade is a wood-fired oven used for many of Secreto's Southwestern dishes.
June 15, 2010

afn.061810.biz.secreto.jpg

Brian Johnson/AFN
Havana Cafe is now Secreto, a novel new restaurant specializing in a Southwestern menu. Leading the way are Debbie Fox, general manager (left) and co-owner Joe Ducharme.
June 15, 2010

An old favorite restaurant spot is getting new life with New
Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Secreto, co-owned by an Ahwatukee Foothills businessman and a
Valley restaurant veteran, quietly opened two weeks ago in the spot
previously occupied by Havana Café.

Joe Ducharme is a seven-year Ahwatukee Foothills resident who is
new to restaurant ownership. He most recently worked in
pharmaceuticals, but was looking for something else to do after
selling his pharmaceutical business.

The restaurant business appealed to Ducharme because he had fond
memories of working in a pizza place his dad used to own at
Phoenix's old Thomas Mall and waiting tables as an Arizona State
University student.

Ducharme partnered with Barbara Brown, who previously owned
Richardson's in north central Phoenix with her ex-husband.

Ducharme was a big fan of Richardson's, so he jumped at the
chance to bring similar food to a location four miles from his
house. (Brown was in Italy when the Ahwatukee Foothills News
visited Secreto.)

"Her formula for running a restaurant is amazing," Ducharme
said. "The food you get and the service you get are second to
none."

Ducharme helped secure the building, taking over the lease from
the Havana Café, and has spent the past three months getting it
ready to open.

"We're really happy with it. Now it's me handing the baton to
(Brown) and saying, ‘Do what you do,'" Ducharme said.

The menu is inspired by New Mexican cuisine, relying on red and
green chile flavors in most dishes, said general manager Debbie
Fox. A variety of meats on the menu are smoked with pecan wood or
grilled.

Ducharme's favorite dish is lamb with jalapeño mint jelly and
the side dish featured with entrees: a green chile stuffed with
mashed potatoes.

Secreto also features a brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on
weekends, Fox said.

In addition to the menu, Secreto's owners worked hard to make
the atmosphere a little different from other Ahwatukee
restaurants.

A copper bar stretches across one side of the main dining room,
and deep golden walls with copper accents helps lend a warm feeling
to the dimly-lit room. Sunlight filters through window shades made
of cactus ribs Ducharme picked up in Rocky Point, adding to the
dark, intimate atmosphere.

A private dining room with hookups for business presentations
can be reserved for private meetings and is otherwise used for
overflow seating. Seating in the main dining room consists of
high-topped booths.

"Our booths are nice and high and private, and it's very
welcoming with the colors," Fox said.

Secreto has already attracted a nice-sized dinner crowd even
though the restaurant has yet to advertise, Fox said.

A grand opening celebration will probably happen in about a
month. Ducharme also plans to provide food to the upcoming Red,
White and Boom! celebration.

"We're just happy to be here," Fox said. "(Ahwatukee residents)
support local businesses, and I think we're going to do well."

Secreto is at 4232 E. Chandler Blvd. Hours are 11 a.m. to
midnight daily, with food served until 10 p.m. Secreto opens at 9
a.m. on weekends for brunch.